Social-networking can be rewarding and it can get you a pink slip

Having MySpace or other social-networking sites that present anything less than a stellar picture of oneself can hurt one’s chances at advancement or even ongoing employment. This goes for full-time employed people and freelancers/consultants.

While this teacher clearly stepped over the line with his students, it does illustrate some of the dangers of social-networking sites and conflicts of interest that may have an effect on employment status.

The greater position of authority, or likely hood of promotion, that someone is in, the greater the level of scrutiny that people will be under. If someone is going to be considered for promotion, management and HR will review not only the work ethic and achievements of the candidate, but may review public information to be sure that the person is truly ready for the position.

It is simple, people checkout the people that are in positions of trust. At the beginning of each school year, I search the Internet for any information about my daughters’ teachers and principal. As a parent, I want to “know” the people that have influence over my children. I am fortunate that I have never found anything that was disturbing, but that does not mean that I do not continue to check. And if I find something, you bet I will bring it to the attention of the principal or school board.

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I spoke to a friend on the East Coast of the US, and he told me that his HR manager took a couple of people to task for calling in sick. When the employees protested, he showed them printouts from their twitter postings indicating they were staying home because they were to hungover or still too buzzed from the night’s activities to work.

These types of activities will not do well for these employees futures as it show a lack of integrity and dependability.

UPDATE: I came across Slightly Drunk‘s Blog and he has a funny post (pg-13) that nails this on the head.